In the aftermath of being detained by the police in West Bengal on April 22, Union Minister and BJP president Sukanta Majumdar alleged that there was no democracy in West Bengal and permission was denied even for collecting donations for the victims of the Murshidabad violence. Sukanta Majumdar said, “There is no democracy here. We went to Murshidabad with workers to collect donations, but the police said we needed permission.
Majumdar and other BJP leaders were detained by the state police at the Hazra Crossing in Kolkata on April 22. Majumdar alleged that the police were acting as cadres of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and they were detained when they came to raise funds for the victims of the Murshidabad violence.
Majumdar reached Hazra Crossing to raise funds for the Hindu families affected by the violence in Murshidabad on April 11. Police detained them as the protesting BJP leaders raised slogans against the state government.
Sukanta Majumdar said, “Police has become the cadres of CM Mamata Banerjee. We came here to raise funds for Murshidabad violence victims, and the police are saying that for this also, we have to get permission from the authorities.”
A woman BJP member protesting said that they came to raise funds for the victims in Murshidabad and those affected and staying currently at Malda, but the police have detained them. Earlier, Majumdar on Monday visited the violence-affected areas and met with the victims affected by the Waqf Act protests.
After meeting the victims, Majumdar stated that if the Kolkata High Court permitted the National Investigation Agency to conduct an investigation, the government would need to follow the court’s orders. He also took a jibe at CM Mamata Banerjee for pressurising authorities to send the victims back, questioning where they would go when their homes had been destroyed.
Speaking to the media, he said, “We stand with the demands of the people. Some people have gone to the court for an NIA inquiry. All our eyes are towards the court now. If the Kolkata High Court permits an NIA investigation, the government will follow suit. Mamata Banerjee is pressuring the authorities to send the victims back, but where would they go? Their homes have been burned and destroyed…” Meanwhile, daily life in Murshidabad resumed amid tight security after the violent protests.
A local reported that the schools had reopened after a 10-day closure. “Schools have reopened here after 10 days. Due to the violence on 11th April, schools were closed. The situation in Dhuliyan has improved. There are no problems now. Such an incident never took place here in the past…” the local said, speaking to ANI.
Violence erupted on April 11 in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district, during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest turned violent, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, and property damage. Thousands of people fled their homes in search of safety.
(With inputs from ANI)
